‘Twilight’ Producers Will Not Recast Central Character
Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner will all be returning for 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon'
Taylor Lautner confirmed for ‘New Moon’ role
By Matthew B. Zeidman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 1/8/09 – “New Moon,” the upcoming sequel to this fall’s supernatural megahit, “Twilight,” may have a new director at the helm, but it won’t have a new werewolf. Taylor Lautner, who plays the lycanthropic Jacob Black, will be returning.
Newly chosen director Chris Weitz and Stephenie Meyer, author of the popular book series on which the films were based, announced the news on Meyer’s official Web site Wednesday.
“I’m truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have,” Meyer stated. “And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.”
Kristen Stewart, who portrayed human Bella Swan, and Robert Pattinson, who portrayed vampire Edward Cullen, had previously signed on to reprise their roles.
Catherine Hardwicke, the director of “Twilight” and frequent collaborator with cast member Nikki Reed, was not asked by Summit Entertainment to return for “New Moon,” despite the fact the film earned an impressive $35.7 million its opening day and over $278 million to date, according to Box Office Mojo. The feature only cost $37 million to produce.
